Brain Mitochondria

Abstract

As previous reviews on brain mitochondrial properties appeared in the first edition of the Handbook in Neurochemistry (Volumes 2 and 3, 1969–70), we confine ourselves mainly to those reports appearing in the last 10–12 years. Certain aspects of what may legitimately be considered as mitochondrial activity have been left out, as they form subjects in their own right which are being treated elsewhere, e.g., mitochondrial protein synthesis, monoamine oxidase activity. The emphasis of this review is therefore, in the main, concerned with the properties of mitochondria derived from the main cell types, neurons and glia; the metabolic properties of these preparations particularly with respect to energy metabolism; the role of the mitochondria in the development of brain function; and clinical disorders that are considered to be the result of a primary mitochondrial lesion in the brain.